Hitching device.



' PATENTED AUG. 23, 1904. J. B. SWBETLAND. HITGHING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED OUT. 7, 1903.

NO MODEL.

MTNEssEs-- UNITED STATES Patented August 23, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

HQITCHING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 768,090, dated August 23, 1904.

Application filed October 7, 1903.

To all whont it may concern.-

Be it known that I. JOHN B. SWEETLAND, a citizen of the United States, residing at North Reading, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inHitching Devices; and I do hereby declare the following tobe a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The present invention relates to an improved hitching device.

The object of the invention is to produce an improved hitching device for securing ropes, straps, &c.; and to this end the invention consists in the device hereinafter described, and defined in the claims.

A hitching device embodying the invention in its preferred form is illustrated in' the accompanying drawings, in which-- Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same, and Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the manner of use.

The illustrated embodiment is adapted for use in connection with a rope, particularly as a halter-hitch. It comprises a body portion 1, carryinga fixed jaw 2 and provided with a ring 3, by which it is attached to the end of the halter. The body land the fixed jaw 2 are slotted, and a movable jaw lis pivoted at 5 in the space so provided. The two jaws are shapedto conform to a rope to be held there between, and the fixed jaw is provided with points 6 to aid in securing the rope; Means are providedfor maintaining the movable jaw in closed position, comprising a latch 7, pivoted at 8, and an arm 9, integral with the movable jaw and having a shoulder engaged by the latch. A spring 10 bears at one endagainst the tail 11 of the latch, tending tokeep it in engagement with the arm 9, and the other end of the spring bears against the arm and tends to open the movable jaw when the arm is released from the latch. The latch has an extension 12, which may be pressed to release the movable jaw. v

The form of the jaws may be varied to adapt {she device for use with straps, chains, or other mes. V.

The latch secures the movable jaw posi- Serial No. 176,093. (No model.)

tively, so that it will not yield, however greatv the pull on the rope, while the spring causes the jaw when released to remain open in convenient position for the insertion of a rope.

. The use of a single spring in'the manner described simplifies the construction, and it should be noted that when the jaw is open the spring is substantially relieved from strain.

The rope with which the device is used is preferably of such size as to be compressed be tween the jaws, and in suchcase the points on the jaw, although preferably used, may be omitted. The slotted jaw has a more secure grip than a solid jaw, particularly upon a rope, and since the jaws are secured positively in closed position the security of the device does not depend upon the deflection of the rope, as in previous devices, in which the jaws are held closed merely by a spring and by the action of the rope or strap.

Having thus described my invention, what is claimed is- 1. A hitching device, having, in combination, a body, a jaw fixed thereto, a jaw pivoted to the body and arranged to open outwardly from the fixed jaw, the jaws having cooperating curved gripping-surfaces for engaging a rope transversely and gripping the same, a spring tending normally to open the jaws, and a spring-controlled latch carried by the body for retaining the pivoted jaw in closed position, substantially asdescribed.

2. A hitching device, having, in combination, a body, a hooked jaw fixed thereto, a jaw pivoted at the body and arranged to open out wardly from the fixed jaw, the jaws having cooperating curved surfaces for gripping a rope, an arm fixed to the pivoted jaw by which it may be closed, a spring-controlled latch engaging the arm to hold the said jaw in closed position, and a spring tending normally to open the'jaws, the surface of the fixed jaw being slotted and the pivoted jaw beingnarrow and arranged opposite the slot in thefixed jaw,

substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two'wi'tnesses. I

JOHN B. SWEETLAND. Witnesses:

H. FoIsY, FARNUM F. DORSEY. 

